Sacramento’s weekend recap: Japanese culture bazaar returns, goat herders wage crisis

The Sacramento Bee covered a range of top stories over the weekend of Aug. 1-2, 2026, from state policy fights to a milestone cultural celebration.

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Here’s a quick digest of what made news:

• California’s agricultural industry is split over Senate Bill 54, the state’s plastic packaging law, with small farmers backing the environmental goals while larger growers warn of billions in fines and higher grocery bills, as the ag industry sounds off on the packaging law. CalRecycle must approve the implementation plan by Jan. 1, 2027.

• A wage law change threatens California’s goat grazing industry, which helps prevent wildfires by clearing brush, after a temporary law allowing goat herders to be paid under sheep herder wage structures expired July 1. Grazing companies say annual wage costs could jump to about $240,000 per herder, forcing some to liquidate herds or shut down.

• The California Democratic Party’s executive board narrowly endorsed Proposition 40, a 5% wealth tax on billionaires, with 61% support after a divided vote, giving the ballot measure momentum despite opposition from Gov. Gavin Newsom and some labor groups including the California Teachers Association.

• The Japanese Food and Cultural Bazaar returns to the Buddhist Church of Sacramento on Aug. 8 for its 80th anniversary, offering a taste of Japanese culture and cuisine. The event will feature 11 performances, roughly one ton of chicken, 20 gallons of soy sauce and more than 1,000 pounds of rice.